If you’re planning a trip to New York City, it’s only natural to seek out the best things to do in Times Square.
In fact, exploring some of the best things to do in Times Square is almost a right of passage when it comes to visiting New York City.
The gleaming lights and nonstop action are bound to enamor even the least touristy of travelers, and it’s centrally located enough that you can easily spend the whole day there, or less than an hour just passing through.
Not to mention, there’s pretty much an unending list of things to do in Times Square, making it the perfect addition to any NYC itinerary.
Check out some of the best things to do in Times Square below, and don’t forget to add your favorites in the comments!
This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I make a small commission on qualifying purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you.
Hotels Near Times Square
Before we jump into the best things to do in Times Square, let’s address accommodations.
Planning a trip to New York City can be overwhelming, especially given the number of hotel options.
If you’re looking for a centrally located hotel near Times Square though, make sure you book the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square.
With most hotels in New York City, you can expect the room to feel cramped.
Even the standard rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn Times Square are surprisingly spacious though.
The one perk to staying at a hotel near Times Square too, is that you’ll be right in the middle of the action.
You don’t have to walk far at all to reach some of your favorite stores, restaurants, activities, and more.
This hotel is also very centrally located to other areas in the city that you’ll likely want to explore, which is great.
Related: The 12 Most Unique Unique Things to Do in Saratoga Springs, NY
34 Amazing Things to Do Around Times Square
Ready to jump into the 34 most amazing things to do around Times Square? Let’s go.
Things to Do in Times Square During the Day
Take Photos
Whether you like having your photo taken or not, you’ll definitely want to have your camera ready when visiting Times Square.
There’s so many cool photo ops, you’ll most likely end up wanting to at least take a few pics (even if it is just a classic picture of the billboards).
People Watch
We’re pretty sure there’s no better place in the world to people watch than Times Square.
Big crowds are always interesting!
Shop at Iconic Times Square Stores
We’ll get into the specific Times Square stores to hit up later in this guide, but know that Times Square is essentially every shopaholic’s dream destination.
There are tons of big name brand stores to browse, as well as some novelty shops that you can’t miss.
Visit Madame Tussaud’s Wax Musuem
We’ve all seen Facebook posts of at least one of our high school friends posing with Rihanna during their epic trip to NYC.
While the wax figures at Madame Tussaud’s aren’t likely to fool anyone into thinking you met Pink (sorry, not sorry), it’s still a pretty cool tourist attraction.
Also, there’s now a Dylan’s Candy Bar located inside!
That alone makes it worth the trip.
Be on Good Morning America
One of the coolest things to do in Times Square that we absolutely, 100% recommend is going to see a Good Morning America Show.
Believe it or not, tickets are actually free…you just have to snag ’em before they’re gone.
Oh, and don’t forget to get in line at least 30-45 minutes early!
Not everybody always get in, as the producers rearrange the set and the chairs often.
You want to make sure you’re at the front of the line to ensure you actually get entrance to the show.
Overall, going to see a Good Morning America show is a fun way to see the behind the scenes of this program and also get to interact with the anchors.
If you’re lucky, you might even get to take pictures with one of them after!
Experience Oddities at Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium
Though we haven’t set foot into this attraction yet, the Ripley’s Believe it or Not Odditorium is of course a big attraction in Time Square.
If you like weird, touristy attractions like this, it’s one of those things to do in Times Square that you’ll probably love.
Take a Hop On, Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Tour
We probably got asked to take a hop on, hop off bust tour at least 30 times during our last trip to New York City.
Surprisingly, it can be a great way to explore the city and see things you might not have necessarily gotten to see otherwise.
Related: Live Like Gatsby in This 1920s Era Glens Falls Hotel
Things to Do in Times Square at Night
Take (Better) Photos
If you’re not planning on spending a ton of time in Times Square, you’ll definitely want to go at night.
Because to tell you the truth, it doesn’t look all that interesting during the day.
You’ll be able to take much better photos during the evening, once it’s dark.
If you just go during the daytime, you’ll probably be left wondering what’s all the hype about?
See a Broadway Show
What better way to spend the night in the city, where show business is at its finest?
Shop at Iconic Times Square Stores
We’ll chat Times Square stores in a minute, but just make note that most of them are open until midnight!
Shopping around is a great way to pass the evening in New York and enjoy all that Times Square has to offer.
Restaurants Near Times Square
Alright, we do feel like we need to preface this with the disclaimer that we wouldn’t really recommend eating in Times Square.
There’s just too many hidden gems in NYC to pass up and eat at a chain restaurant in Times Square (though there are some non-chain restaurants to explore, too).
There’s also usually a huge wait!
That being said, if you’re dead set on the idea, check out some of the options below for some of the best, not-so-touristy places to eat in Times Square.
- Brooklyn Diner — American comfort food, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Carmine’s — family-style Italian chain restaurant
- Havana Central Times Square — cuban restaurant, featuring cocktails & live music
- Junior’s — cute retro vibe, known for their “world’s most fabulous” cheesecake + American food
- R Lounge — gourmet food & cocktails, overlooking Times Square
- Shake Shack — quick service w/ awesome burgers, fries, & shakes
- Toloache — modern Mexican fare
The Best Times Square Stores
Candy Stores
Dylan’s Candy Bar
Yep, you read that right.
There’s now a Dylan’s Candy Bar located conveniently in Times Square.
It’s definitely hidden, as you have to use the elevator in Madame Tussaud’s to get to it, but it’s well worth the extra effort.
Hershey’s Chocolate World
What’s a trip to Times Square without a stop in Hershey’s Chocolate World?
Stop by here to grab some of your favorite Hershey’s snacks, or a s’more from their s’mores station in the back!
M&M’s World
If you love this iconic candy, you absolutely must check out this epic three-story shop!
You can even get a personalized message (or your face!) printed on your favorite variety of M&M’s in just a few minutes here.
Makeup Stores
KIKO Milano
If you haven’t heard of KIKO yet, think M.A.C. style products and shopping experience but for just a fraction of the price.
I bought so many lip colors while I was in here, as well as a bunch of $2 nail polishes!
You seriously cannot beat the prices and quality of these products, and KIKO stores are hard to find in the U.S.
We repeat, you do not want to miss this one.
M.A.C. Cosmetics
If you love makeup and beauty, you’ll definitely be adding this to your list of Times Square shops to hit up.
Sephora
We can’t help but stop in a Sephora whenever we see one.
While this retail chain certainly isn’t difficult to find at your local mall, it’s worth a look if you enjoy browsing makeup products.
Related: 10 Best Things to Do in Lake Placid (Adirondack Mountains)
Clothing/Shoes Stores
ALDO
ALDO is a great place to stop in Times Square if you’re in the market for a new pair of trendy shoes (which, let’s be honest…who isn’t?).
Express
Even though most local malls have an Express, it’s fun to stop in these super-sized Times Square locations of big clothing retailers.
They carry a lot of awesome pieces you might not be able to locate at the smaller stores!
Forever 21
The Times Square Forever 21 is forever on our list.
There’s so many floors to explore, you could spend hours here if you wanted to.
H&M
Similar to Forever 21, the Times Square H&M is a great place to shop multiple floors of your favorite clothing.
LOFT
Though the Times Square LOFT isn’t as big as some of the larger retailers like Forever 21 and H&M, they still have lots to look at.
Steve Madden
Practically start drooling every time you enter a Steve Madden store?
Then you have to shop at the Times Square location — especially if you don’t have one of these stores at home.
Other
Disney Store
If you’re looking for the kiddos (or if you’re just obsessed with all things Disney), you have to stop in the Disney Store in Times Square.
There’s two wondrous floors to delve into, plus a magical castle upstairs that makes the perfect Disney photo op!
Free Things to Do in Time Square
While a lot of things do cost money to do in New York City, there are a few options we wanted to highlight out of this list that are completely free things to do in Times Square.
People Watch
Again, there’s no better place to people watch than Times Square.
Take Photos
There’s so many photo opps in Times Square.
Just know you’ll be expected to tip if you pose with any of the superheroes or cartoon characters walking around!
Be on Good Morning America
Of all the free things to do in Times Square, being on Good Morning America probably trumps them all.
We would absolutely recommend it to anyone visiting the area — especially because it’s 100% free!
Just make sure you book your tickets well in advance and get in line the morning of at least 30 minutes early to ensure you get a seat.
See the Tonight Show with Stephen Colbert
Most TV show tapings in New York are free and relatively easy to attend, just like the Tonight Show with Stephen Colbert.
Snag a ticket to one of these tapings for an awesome, behind-the-scenes experience at absolutely no cost to you!
What are your favorite things to do in Times Square?
Pin This Post:
